NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — Sylvia Weinstock, a New York City-based wedding cake baker to the stars whose creations earned her the nickname "Queen of Cakes," has died.
Weinstock passed away peacefully Monday in her home in Tribeca, surrounded by her loving family, according to a statement posted on her Instagram on Tuesday. She was 91.
The Brooklyn native and Hunter College graduate was born on Jan. 28, 1930. The former teacher launched her baking career in 1980 at the age of 50 after beating breast cancer. She became known for her towering, sugar-flower wedding cakes that attracted clients across the U.S., Japan, China, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Europe.
Throughout her illustrious career, Weinstock made cakes for several A-listers including Mariah Carey, Billy Joel, and Robert De Niro.
By the time she retired in 2016, she was reportedly making over 1,000 cakes a year.
According to People, Weinstock came out of retirement last month to bake a six-tier wedding cake for Jennifer Gates, the eldest daughter of Bill and Melinda Gates.
While Weinstock was known for her extravagant and luxurious cakes, she herself preferred a simple yellow butter cake with lemon curd and fresh raspberries.
The family is planning to hold a private memorial at a future date.